Chemists didn’t just stumble across 2-Methoxy-1-Propanol overnight. After World War II, chemical research focused heavily on the development of glycols and their ethers, which quickly found their way into modern industries. Production ramps gained traction in the 1970s as coatings and printing sectors sought both performance gains and lower health risks compared to old-generation solvents. Driven by a push for less hazardous alternatives, manufacturers developed derivatives like 2-Methoxy-1-Propanol from propylene oxide routes, opening doors for wide-ranging applications beyond paint thinner or cleaning-based uses. My own decade working around industrial paint lines means I’ve watched these safer, more precise solvents gradually replace legacy blends that carried heavier regulatory baggage.
2-Methoxy-1-Propanol, also known as Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether (PGME) or 1-Methoxypropan-2-ol, lands most often in bottles as a clear, almost-odorless liquid. Manufactures in China, Germany, and the United States move it in drums or bulk tanks for both specialty and commodity uses. Customers in coatings, inks, and cleaning chemistries appreciate its excellent balance between volatility and solvency, which speeds up drying without heavy residue or lingering odors. Many alternatives either evaporate too slowly or flash off so quickly that process control becomes a real headache. That’s part of why PGME built such a wide footprint.
2-Methoxy-1-Propanol comes off the line as a colorless liquid with a molecular formula of C4H10O2 and a molecular weight around 90.12 g/mol. Its boiling point lands at roughly 120°C, which brings an approachable, mid-spectrum volatility for process engineers and coatings developers. This solvent’s moderate viscosity makes it easy to pump and mix, and the low freezing point keeps lines moving under cool storage and shipping. Solubility matters—a big reason why cleaning and ink systems opted for 2-Methoxy-1-Propanol: it blends with water and many organic solvents, which allows flexible formulations even under changing climate or plant conditions. I’ve watched suppliers tout the low odor as a safety win for workers in printing plants and small-scale craft applications alike.
Producers sell PGME under strict quality specs. ASTM and ISO guidelines dictate the required purity, which almost always exceeds 99 percent. Water and heavy metals have to fall below tight thresholds, and isoform isomers—the technical fraction of 2-methoxy-2-propanol—get capped so performance remains consistent. Labeling standards under GHS keep emergency response simple. Industry labels show hazard pictograms (usually a warning for irritation), clear CAS numbers (107-98-2), and major handling guidance. These steps matter. Too many facilities deal with off-grade supply, and sharp quality controls help everyone from blending operators to truck drivers avoid confusion from mislabeled drums.
Producers start by reacting propylene oxide with methanol under acidic or basic catalytic conditions. The process favors the production of 2-methoxy-1-propanol through controlled temperature and pressure, with unreacted raw materials recycled to reduce losses. Some shops operate continuous-flow units, others still use batch vessels for small custom runs. Runoff streams need careful management, as methanol and propylene oxide both pose safety challenges without tight reconciliation. Investment in emission abatement and water treatment has tightened up plant operations—something that has evolved a lot in my years on the plant floor, where emission controls and real-time analytics are now baked right into new plant builds.
2-Methoxy-1-Propanol shows real versatility in downstream chemistry. As a glycol ether, it acts as both a solvent and an intermediate. It reacts with acids to form esters, which serve as specialty solvents for electronics or coatings. Strong oxidizers transform it, so process engineers keep material segregated to avoid dangerous runaways. Chemists in coatings R&D often functionalize the molecule for new properties in polyurethane or acrylic resin systems. Over in pharmaceuticals, the secondary alcohol group sometimes acts as a masking group for active ingredients, making complex syntheses possible without harsh conditions.
Buyers often encounter 2-Methoxy-1-Propanol listed by other names. Propylene Glycol Methyl Ether (PGME) is the industry shorthand. It’s also labeled as 1-Methoxypropan-2-ol, Dowanol PM, Arcosolv PM, or simply Propasol PM depending on the supplier. Some distributors drop the “glycol” in day-to-day trading channels, which occasionally causes confusion—a headache for procurement staff collecting MSDS or ordering spare drums. Rigorous inventory management and supplier transparency help cut through the noise, especially as regulatory agencies now expect full trail on product identity.
Workplace safety matters most when dealing with chemical solvents. 2-Methoxy-1-Propanol carries moderate risk: inhalation causes headache or dizziness in unventilated areas, while splash exposure sometimes irritates eyes or skin. Inhalation exposure limits set by OSHA and ACGIH hang around 100 ppm, a balance that reduces chronic risk for workers. Most facilities use local exhaust, chemical gloves, and splash-rated goggles—something I’ve taught new hires during safety walkthroughs. Chemical-specific safety training and compliant storage (away from strong oxidizers and acids) reduce most operational hazards. Spill protocols focus on quick containment with non-sparking tools and prompt disposal in sealed solvent drums.
Users find this solvent everywhere: commercial paints, printing inks, surface cleansers, electronic cleaners, and coatings for automotive, wood, and plastics. Thanks to the balanced evaporation rate, paint shops can spray finishes that cure smooth without rapid blush or dusting. Ink formulators mix 2-Methoxy-1-Propanol into flexographic and gravure inks, which hold color while minimizing plate fouling and drying times. Over in electronics, PGME helps clean solder paste residues and other flux from delicate boards, as it removes sticky leftovers better than older alcohol blends. I’ve watched cleaning fluid manufacturers steadily swap in PGME formulations once plant crews pushed for faster, cleaner dry-downs over high-odor alternatives.
Research teams continue to probe new uses and improved formulations. On the green chemistry front, universities study bio-based production pathways by fermenting plant sugars to replace fossil-derived feedstocks. Collaborative projects focus on lowering volatility even further and boosting recyclability after use. Over the past decade, paint and coating lines have trialed PGME blends with advanced polymer emulsions, seeking higher performance with lower environmental impact. Open literature and patent filings track a range of modified PGME esters used as coalescents, extending shelf life and improving film appearance without raising emissions.
Toxicology teams have put 2-Methoxy-1-Propanol under the microscope for decades. Acute toxicity sits in the moderate range—taking a fair bit of exposure before showing significant health effects. Long-term animal studies originally sparked concerns after some ethylene-series glycol ethers showed linkages to reproductive harm. Propylene-series ethers, including PGME, have fared better, showing lower absorption rates and reduced chronic toxicity in comparison. Regulators in the US, EU, and Asia continue to monitor inhalation and dermal risks, with safety data updated as new study results arrive. In my own experience, facilities that stick with strong ventilation, splash controls, and prompt spill cleanup see few, if any, workplace illnesses tied to PGME.
The push for safer, cleaner, and more sustainable solvents is only picking up steam. Companies plan to keep retooling production to fit new emissions rules, phase out impurities, and optimize energy footprints during manufacturing. Carbon accounting and life cycle analysis now drive purchasing in coatings, ink, and cleaning industries—which puts pressure on PGME suppliers to offer both reliable quality and improved traceability. Industry groups keep funding studies on bio-based PGME and related derivatives, hoping future supply chains shrink both carbon and toxicity footprints. I see broad opportunities for smarter blends with lower emissions profiles, faster dry times, and gentler skin contact. If regulatory bodies tighten exposure limits, chemical makers will need flexible formulas to keep up. After years of “reduce or replace” mandates, 2-Methoxy-1-Propanol sits at an interesting crossroads: mature enough for broad commercial use, but still evolving as clean chemistry finds its footing in factories and labs.
New chemicals crop up all the time, each carrying a flashy name and the hope of changing how things get done in modern life. 2-Methoxy 1-Propanol doesn’t sound like something that should turn heads. It shows up mostly in industrial circles and rarely makes news—unless you look closely at what it does for paints, cleaners, and even the air you breathe in certain workspaces.
Walk into any hardware store, and the color aisle seems infinite. What you’re seeing is the result of chemistry—most notably, solvents working in the background. 2-Methoxy 1-Propanol steps into the spotlight in water-based paints and coatings. Companies count on it to dissolve pigments and resins more smoothly. It helps avoid quick-drying that can mess up a fresh coat, especially with big projects or tricky weather.
EPA data points to lower toxicity with 2-Methoxy 1-Propanol than many of its cousins. Safer work environments matter, whether you’re a contractor painting office buildings day-in, day-out or a homeowner rolling walls at midnight. As someone who’s spent Saturday afternoons painting and scraping mistakes, I can vouch for the quiet relief that comes from solvents that smell less harsh and work predictably.
Electronic factories and high-tech assembly lines learn fast that dust and stubborn film are a headache. Companies in these sectors want solvents that clean without wrecking microchips or turning PCBs into scrap. 2-Methoxy 1-Propanol excels at lifting grease and residue in delicate environments. It evaporates at just the right rate to minimize streaks and build-up. In cleaning fluids and specialty wipes, it balances strength with safety.
Printing presses, whether they spit out books or glossy magazines, depend on quick-drying inks that won’t gob up the rollers or slow production lines. 2-Methoxy 1-Propanol gives ink chemists more control. I remember sitting in a small print shop, watching the machines churn out jobs. Poor quality ink can mean jams, smudged pages, or hours of troubleshooting. Using the right solvent means print jobs run smoother, colors stay vibrant, and deadlines aren’t missed.
Indoor air quality improves when formulators choose chemicals with lower emissions. Manufacturing standards have shifted, especially in markets with tighter regulations like the EU. 2-Methoxy 1-Propanol meets VOC (volatile organic compound) limits in many formulations. Less stink, fewer headaches, and more regulatory compliance come along for the ride. That makes life easier for both floor workers and anyone near these products at home.
We can’t downplay the need to keep asking if better options exist. Even though 2-Methoxy 1-Propanol checks off many boxes, companies and regulators still keep an eye on health data and emissions. Breaking the pattern of “fix one problem, create another” stays top of mind. Green chemistry keeps evolving, and the push for less toxic solvents that break down in the environment grows each year.
Workers, painters, cleaners, and manufacturers expect honest answers from chemical suppliers. It’s on all of us to check material safety sheets, demand transparency, and push for safer products in everyday use. As long as people keep questioning, the chemicals flowing through factories and storerooms can get safer—one bottle at a time.
2-Methoxy 1-Propanol shows up in all sorts of workplaces—from print shops to laboratories to places where electronics and coatings get made. Many folks don’t give the name much thought. The chemical goes by other names too, like propylene glycol methyl ether. You might have run across it if you’ve worked with paints or solvents. It’s valued for being a strong yet gentle solvent, but there’s more to its story than how well it dissolves ink.
Imagine working eight hours in a space without much fresh air, cleaning up with products that contain this solvent. Studies from workplace safety agencies tell us breathing in high levels can lead to headaches, dizziness, or even feeling sick to your stomach. The US National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) highlights that contact with skin or eyes stings and can cause irritation. Chronic exposure—coming into contact over long periods—raises real worries, too. Some animal studies suggest repeated or high-level exposure might affect organs like the liver or kidneys.
Companies using this chemical need to keep these risks in mind. Workers have the right to be protected, so it’s important to recognize early warning signs. Breathing fresh air or stepping outside after feeling lightheaded at a workstation is not just a personal comfort—it could be a sign that the workplace needs better ventilation or improved handling rules.
Years ago, I worked a summer job painting exteriors, and though we didn’t talk about solvents by name, I remember feeling lightheaded after hours of scraping and brushing. The cheap respirators we got didn’t fit well, and we wiped our hands with the same paint thinner at the end of the day. Even in my short stretch with those chemicals, I noticed skin dryness and the way headaches would come around lunchtime. My experience matches up with what medical experts and safety researchers have reported. Most folks don’t pay much attention to chemicals until symptoms show up.
Groups like OSHA set exposure limits for these chemicals based on tons of data. Those numbers don’t exist to make life harder—they draw a line to say health matters more than convenience or productivity. In countries with strong worker protection culture, companies create guidelines: use gloves, provide open windows or exhaust fans, and replace solvents with less hazardous options when possible. Just relying on a warning label isn’t enough. Training employees and posting clear instructions where chemicals get used day-in, day-out reduces mistakes and long-term health scares.
Most dangers lose their sting with simple steps: proper gloves, tight-sealing goggles, and strong ventilation clear the air and protect against skin contact. If handling chemicals is part of the routine, regular check-ups for workers help spot problems before they cause real damage. Switching to alternative solvents ranks high for safety, especially if the task doesn’t absolutely demand 2-Methoxy 1-Propanol. Even bringing in local exhaust vents at workstations cuts down the risks significantly.
The science is clear—2-Methoxy 1-Propanol brings health risks, especially in jobs with regular exposure and poor protective measures. Involving employees in conversations about handling and safety doesn’t just tick a box; it saves headaches and hands down, changes health outcomes. Reducing hazards always brings more value than dealing with accidents or illnesses later on.
2-Methoxy 1-Propanol carries a reputation for being useful in coatings, inks, and cleaners. That said, it also comes with safety concerns, mostly due to its volatile and flammable nature. My years in a busy manufacturing facility taught me the hard way that even products that look as harmless as a jug of cleaning solvent call for real respect and care in handling. A small oversight with chemicals like this can turn into a big headache—fast.
Chemicals with low flash points like 2-Methoxy 1-Propanol deserve tough scrutiny in storage. Storing this liquid away from sparks, open flames, and sources of static electricity doesn't just seem like good advice—it’s a rule most safety inspectors enforce without discussion. I’ve seen what happens to ungrounded metal drums: one static pop and the place clears out faster than any fire drill could manage. Always set aside a cool, well-ventilated area that blocks direct sunlight. Sun heats things up, which can make vapors easier to ignite.
Leakproof, sealed containers keep everybody safe, and the best ones are made from steel or high-quality plastic with strong chemical resistance. After an incident in the late shift, where a cheap cap cracked and let solvent leak onto the floor, no one in my crew ever bought the off-brand stoppers again. Ventilation matters, too. You never want a buildup of vapors, since that boosts both toxicity and fire hazards. Installing exhaust fans, or just keeping a steady airflow by design, often does more for safety than almost any warning sign on the door.
Mislabeled drums caused enough confusion at my site that I no longer trust a faded sticker. A clear, intact label helps not only the regular crew, but any emergency responders who might have to step in. Strong labeling reduces the odds of mixing 2-Methoxy 1-Propanol with oxidizing agents, acids, or bases, which sometimes sit in the same storeroom. None of these chemicals play nice together, so keeping their storage areas physically separated contributes a strong line of defense against unexpected reactions.
The storage room shouldn’t drop below freezing, but more importantly, it should not get hot. Heat increases pressure inside containers and makes everything riskier to handle. In my own experience, a thermometer hanging on the wall makes a big difference—temperature spikes never sneak by unnoticed that way. Fires and spills demand a plan before anything goes wrong: fire extinguishers, absorbent materials, and eyewash stations must sit close, not tucked away down the hall. Regular practice drills make response second nature instead of a panic-driven scramble.
Setting up chemical storage systems takes real commitment. Training sessions aren’t just for new hires, either; even veterans can slip into bad habits over time. Assigning specific people to inspect the storage area, track container integrity, and keep logs updated provides accountability. Introducing regular audits roots out most problems early. Above all, creating a culture where safety concerns get respect from everyone shapes responsible handling more than any single regulation. Safe storage isn't about rules on a poster, but about protecting people who work with risky materials every single day.
2-Methoxy 1-Propanol pops up in industries from printing and coatings to electronics. People treat it like any other handy solvent, often forgetting this chemical packs more than one punch. The vapor can irritate eyes and lungs. Liquid flows onto skin, raising the risk of dermatitis or worse. Breathing too much in a poorly ventilated room can mean headaches, drowsiness, or nausea. Long-term exposure, or repeated spills on bare skin, knocks the body’s defenses sideways.
Respect for chemicals doesn’t come from labels—it grows out of small habits every worker creates. At my first job in a print shop, old-timers shrugged off gloves and used torn T-shirts to clean ink, not realizing the long-term cost their bodies would pay. I learned quickly: the folks who kept their eyes focused, their hands covered, and their rooms aired out rarely ended up with health complaints.
Personal protective equipment keeps most trouble at arm’s length. Nitrile gloves block liquid, safety goggles keep surprise splashes from eyes, and a proper apron or lab coat doesn’t cost much but pays off after months on the shop floor. Most people skimp on ventilation, thinking a cracked window will cut it. A working exhaust system—one that you can hear humming and feel moving air—pushes vapors outdoors before they settle where you breathe.
Safe handling relies just as much on storage as on habits during use. At the end of a shift, I used to check lids, wipe spills, and store all containers in a marked cabinet with a lip to catch leaks. That kept accidents from turning little problems into emergencies. Fire risk tends to fly under the radar, often until a panicked shout echoes down the hall. 2-Methoxy 1-Propanol catches fire easier than most realize. Clear, simple labeling and keeping it away from ignition sources like old extension cords or smoking areas becomes a natural routine—one that skips drama and keeps everyone calm.
Reading a safety data sheet won’t protect anyone if they treat it as paperwork. A good safety meeting takes you through spills, storage, and first aid with both stories and surprises. I remember a drill where we used imitation solvent and sand to practice quick cleanup. Next time something got knocked over, nobody hesitated—they grabbed absorbent pads, ventilated the space, and wore gloves.
Real safety grows when workers ask questions and share stories. Coworkers at my past jobs often created tips sheets after close calls—what worked and what didn’t. Encouraging this kind of informal reporting lowered near-misses faster than new rules ever did.
Safe handling isn’t just about one facility. I’ve seen waste drums left lurking in alleys, leaking into drains, risking pollution and heavy fines. Collection routines and relationships with licensed waste haulers should stay front and center, especially since local water and soil bear the brunt of careless disposal. Every small action—using the right container, keeping areas clear, sharing good habits—builds a workplace culture that treats health and the environment as part of the job, not an afterthought.
Experience proves that clear steps, teamwork, and attention to small details make a difference. Safety grows from daily decisions, not from fear or bureaucracy. 2-Methoxy 1-Propanol deserves that attention, every shift, every season.
Anyone who’s spent time around paints, inks, or cleaning products knows that a lot hangs on one thing: the characteristics of the chemicals in the mix. 2-Methoxy 1-Propanol, with its chemical formula C4H10O2, makes a good example of a solvent that quietly shapes the way products work.
The first thing that catches your eye is how clear and colorless this liquid is. You pour it, and it looks just like water—no drama, no strange hues. There’s something almost inviting about the faint, mild odor this liquid gives off, though you wouldn’t want to breathe it in for long. Its boiling point sits around 120°C (248°F), so it does not disappear instantly from open containers like acetone or ether sometimes do. That slower evaporation can really influence how coatings and cleansers behave.
One physical feature that shapes its role in industry comes down to miscibility with water. 2-Methoxy 1-Propanol mixes effortlessly with water at room temperature. In practical terms, this helps manufacturers blend water-based paints or printing inks where you don’t want any separation or layering. That property also makes it useful for dissolving dyes, resins, or oils that need to move smoothly into solution.
Density is another point worth talking about. At 20°C, it sits at roughly 0.92 grams per cubic centimeter, making it lighter than water. In my experience, a slightly lighter solvent can help a formulation spread or penetrate surfaces more evenly, especially if you’re trying to lay down a thin, even film without streaking. Viscosity tells the same story. This solvent pours smoothly and doesn’t cling or drag, measuring about 2.4 centipoise at 25°C. It spreads—doesn’t gum up—so coatings dry with fewer brush marks, and cleaners lift grime without sticking behind.
While volatility can sound like industry jargon, it just means how quickly something turns from liquid to vapor. 2-Methoxy 1-Propanol doesn’t flash off in seconds, which means fewer odors in a workspace and more time to work materials before they dry out. Not every shop has high-powered extraction, so slower evaporation can really matter on a practical level.
Flammability lurks in the background of many industrial chemicals, and this solvent is no exception. Its flash point hovers around 42°C (about 107°F), which tells you not to get careless with heat or open flame. Over the years, after seeing more than one accident from ignored solvent warnings, I’ve learned that safety isn’t just fine print — chemical properties shape the way real safety rules get written and followed.
In the end, it’s everyday characteristics like boiling point, density, solubility, and odor that steer how a solvent like 2-Methoxy 1-Propanol gets used—or misused. I’ve seen paint shops where the choice of solvent made cleanup easier, but a misjudged flash point led to unexpected hazards. Knowledge doesn’t only come from books; it shows up after years of seeing these liquids in action, understanding how their physical quirks shape both productivity and safety. If companies want to get the best out of their products while protecting workers and the environment, understanding these details is not just useful—it’s essential.
| Names | |
| Preferred IUPAC name | 2-methoxypropan-1-ol |
| Other names |
Propylene glycol monomethyl ether PGME 1-Methoxy-2-propanol Dowanol PM |
| Pronunciation | /tuː ˈmɛθ.ɒk.si wʌn ˈprəʊ.pə.nɒl/ |
| Identifiers | |
| CAS Number | 1589-47-5 |
| Beilstein Reference | 1361583 |
| ChEBI | CHEBI:81076 |
| ChEMBL | CHEMBL46358 |
| ChemSpider | 16048 |
| DrugBank | DB14049 |
| ECHA InfoCard | ECHA InfoCard: 100.003.442 |
| EC Number | 01-2119457435-35-0000 |
| Gmelin Reference | 8215 |
| KEGG | C02637 |
| MeSH | D017355 |
| PubChem CID | 7903 |
| RTECS number | UB7700000 |
| UNII | G2GU43702K |
| UN number | UN3092 |
| Properties | |
| Chemical formula | C4H10O2 |
| Molar mass | 90.12 g/mol |
| Appearance | Clear colorless liquid |
| Odor | Sweet, ether-like |
| Density | 0.921 g/cm³ |
| Solubility in water | Miscible |
| log P | 0.37 |
| Vapor pressure | 0.76 mmHg (20°C) |
| Acidity (pKa) | pKa = 16.9 |
| Basicity (pKb) | 5.68 |
| Magnetic susceptibility (χ) | -53.5×10⁻⁶ cm³/mol |
| Refractive index (nD) | 1.403 |
| Viscosity | 1.7 mPa.s at 25°C |
| Dipole moment | 2.96 D |
| Thermochemistry | |
| Std molar entropy (S⦵298) | 309.6 J·mol⁻¹·K⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of formation (ΔfH⦵298) | −437.7 kJ·mol⁻¹ |
| Std enthalpy of combustion (ΔcH⦵298) | -1995 kJ/mol |
| Pharmacology | |
| ATC code | D07AX |
| Hazards | |
| GHS labelling | GHS02, GHS07 |
| Pictograms | GHS02, GHS07 |
| Signal word | Warning |
| Hazard statements | H226, H336 |
| Precautionary statements | P210, P233, P240, P241, P242, P243, P280, P303+P361+P353, P304+P340, P305+P351+P338, P312, P370+P378, P403+P235, P501 |
| NFPA 704 (fire diamond) | 1-1-0 |
| Flash point | 66°C |
| Autoignition temperature | 287 °C (549 °F; 560 K) |
| Explosive limits | 1.5% - 13.5% |
| Lethal dose or concentration | LD50 oral rat 5660 mg/kg |
| LD50 (median dose) | LD50 (median dose): Oral rat: 5660 mg/kg |
| NIOSH | WI4710000 |
| PEL (Permissible) | 100 ppm |
| REL (Recommended) | REL (Recommended): 10 ppm |
| IDLH (Immediate danger) | 150 ppm |
| Related compounds | |
| Related compounds |
1-Methoxy-2-propanol Propylene glycol Propylene oxide 1,2-Propylene glycol methyl ether acetate Methoxyethanol |
